Erupt springs 12-1 upset in Canadian International

The European import Erupt, ridden by Stephane Pasquier, wins the Canadian International by a length.

ETOBICOKE, Ontario—The aptly named French 4-year-old Erupt exploded in the stretch to capture the Grade 1, $1 million Canadian International at 12-1 under Stephane Pasquier at Woodbine on Sunday.

World Appeal set slow fractions in the 12-furlong turf event, with 3-1 second choice Dartmouth stalking in second. The Pizza Man took up the chase in third, and Erupt raced in fourth most of the way.

Dartmouth joined World Appeal on the lead entering the stretch, but was quickly overtaken by Erupt, who went on to prevail by a length over Dartmouth. Wake Forest rallied for third, and The Pizza Man weakened to fourth.

The favored Idaho was quite washy and wound up during the warm-up, and he went on to finish a non-threatening fifth. He was followed by Danish Dynaformer, Taghleeb, World Approval, and Protectionist.

Over firm ground, the final time was 2:30.87.

“The trip was good,” said Pasquiere. “I was a bit worried about my stall number [post 8], but he started well. We took good position right behind the leader, and the race was perfect. He gave me a good turn of foot. I didn’t have to ask him so much.”

William Buick was content with the effort put forth by Dartmouth, who is owned by Queen Elizabeth II of England.

“He ran good,” said Buick. “The winner went off and won easy, but [Dartmouth] stuck on well for second. I’m delighted with the run. He did his best. He ran his heart out.”

Erupt, a Group 1 winner in France, performed well without winning against some formidable opposition in four starts this year, prior to the International.

Trained by Henri-Francis Graffard, Erupt earned $600,000 for Flaxman Holdings Ltd., which was represented by Electra Niarchos, who was non-committal about the son of Dubawi’s next start. He is Breeders’ Cup eligible.